"It's really great to see when a ruckman can produce what Max produced in that quarter ... it was exciting," coach Simon Goodwin said.

"He's having an outstanding year.

"He's been unbelievable for us in terms of his work, not only his ruck craft but his ability to help us around the ground with his marking and his desire to lead and win.

"He's having a brilliant season and it's credit to the preparation he puts into his game."

Angus Brayshaw and Clayton Oliver picked up the slack in Viney's absence with 39 and 34 possessions respectively.

Melbourne had 10 goal kickers, with Jesse Hogan leading the way with four goals.

For the Dogs, Jack Macrae had 33 touches in his first game back from a hamstring injury, with Mitch Wallis (29 disposals and three goals) and Lachie Hunter (35 possessions) also prominent for Luke Beveridge's side.

But as has been the case all too often in a disappointing season, the Dogs went missing after halftime.

"We're trying to look for solutions ... that's probably about seven or eight games where we've been in it at halftime then virtually been blown away in the second half," Beveridge said.

"Ultimately it's an example of where we haven't been able to steady the ship and we haven't had enough (players) who have been able to play a consistent four quarters.